Bitcoins are also traded in for dollars, euros or other forms of currency at an exchange rate. For instance, according to XE.com, one Bitcoin is worth $455.758. To learn more about what is Bitcoin, see this short video below:

Still unsure why in 2014 you need to know about Bitcoin?

Consider this: there are nearly 13 million Bitcoins in circulation (see the current figures here)! And, with millions of Bitcoins out there and the number of Bitcoin users growing every day, there are people who would relish the opportunity to begin using this currency to help their favorite nonprofit. Click here to see the growing list of nonprofits who have started accepting Bitcoin donations.

How Can Nonprofits Accept Bitcoins in Their Pushka?

Your organization can use Coinbase or BitPay to receive Bitcoin donations. Both of these sites have lower feesfor processing Bitcoin donations than you will find at any credit card processor. In fact, Coinbase allows you to receive your first $1 million in donations with no processing charges! Best of all, both sites allow you to easily convert Bitcoins to dollars, euros or any other currency.

Let People Know You Accept Bitcoin

Once you have set up an account with either Coinbase or BitPay, make sure that you update the donation page on your website to let people know that they can now help their favorite Jewish organization by using Bitcoin! You can download free “Bitcoin Accepted” images to spruce up your website by clicking here.

Even if you have don’t have a tech-savvy donor base, you should still consider sending out an email blast to your list of congregants, students and donors letting them know that you now accept Bitcoin donations for your nonprofit. After all, you never know who has recently decided to dabble or invest in Bitcoin and would gladly send a donation your way using this virtual currency.

One Final Thought

Whether or not Bitcoin will become widely accepted remains to be seen. However, as it costs nothing for your organization to accept, it certainly makes sense to allow people to donate using this currency, as it can only benefit you and your organization for the foreseeable future. Please note: until recently, Bitcoin wasn’t subject to any taxes or government regulations. Despite being around for a number of years, U.S. regulators are still figuring out how to deal with Bitcoin. As such, we recommend that you consult your accountant regarding how to process and account for Bitcoin donations as well as how to prepare receipts for Bitcoin donors prior to accepting them at your organization.